Carolyn Sue Bowen

Carol passed away February 22, 2026. She was born December 8, 1935, in Littlerock, Arkansas to Zelma and Jesse James Paxton. She was the second of seven children. In her early years, the family moved to Belleville, where Carol spent much of her childhood and young adulthood.

While in high school, Carol began working at Schlosser’s Lincoln Soda Shop in Belleville. Shortly after, she started her career as a telephone operator for the local telephone company. Carol married Charles “Red” Williams and together they welcomed two children, Robert (Bobbi) and Daniel (Danny) Williams. As a military family, they were stationed in Japan for a time, an experience Carol cherished deeply. She was incredibly proud of the years she spent there with her children and often spoke fondly of those memories.

After returning to the United States, Carol and Red later divorced. She eventually married Vern Allen, and the couple moved to Alaska, where they spent several adventurous years before returning to Washington State and later divorcing.

Carol found lasting companionship when she married Jim Bowen, and they made their home in Pe Ell, Washington. After Jim’s passing, Carol moved in with her son, Danny and his wife, Lynda, where she continued to be surrounded by the love of family.

Family was the center of Carol’s world. Some of her favorite trips were to Seaside, Oregon, where she enjoyed visiting her sister Martha and her mother. In her later years, she loved babysitting her sister’s children and grandchildren. She was always happiest when caring for those she loved. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including camping, fishing, hunting and riding four-wheelers. She had a special love for her dogs, treating them as if they were her own children.

Carol was known as an exceptional cook, especially when it came to her hearty, unforgettable breakfasts. She was very artistic and had a deep love for painting. Carol was one of the most giving people you could ever meet, if you admired something she was wearing, she would gladly give it to you. She was gregarious, feisty, stubborn, generous and fiercely devoted to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zelma and Jesse James Paxton; her siblings, Clyde Paxton, Bill Paxton, Charles Paxton, and Jesse Paxton; granddaughter, Sherry Williams; husband, Jim Bowen; and cousins, Patty Edwards and Richard Edwards.

Carol is survived by her siblings, Martha Teske and Theresa Paxton; children, Danny and Bobbi Williams; granddaughter, Chrissy Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Carol’s legacy of love, generosity, strength and unwavering devotion to family will live on in all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, Washington March 7, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.